Roaring Meg Lookout
A quick, scenic stop on SH6 offering breathtaking views of a turquoise waterfall and the dramatic Kawarau River Gorge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light
Roaring Meg Lookout
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quick, scenic stop on SH6 offering breathtaking views of a turquoise waterfall and the dramatic Kawarau River Gorge.
"A short and accessible walk from the car park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area."
🚗 Easy Access Stop
Convenient pull-off on SH6, perfect for a quick break. Signal early when coming from Queenstown!
📸 Photo Opportunity
Capture the vibrant turquoise water and gorge scenery. Great for a quick, stunning photo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turquoise Waterfall
Observation deck
Witness the stunning turquoise water cascading from the hydro station's stream into the gorge.
Kawarau River Gorge
Viewpoint
Admire the rugged beauty and powerful flow of the Kawarau River carving through the dramatic gorge.
Scenic Highway Stop
State Highway 6
An easily accessible pull-off offering a moment of natural beauty on a scenic road trip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Scenic Break
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access Stop
Convenient pull-off on SH6, perfect for a quick break. Signal early when coming from Queenstown!
📸 Photo Opportunity
Capture the vibrant turquoise water and gorge scenery. Great for a quick, stunning photo.
💧 No Facilities On-Site
Plan ahead as there are no restrooms or amenities at the lookout.
🚶♀️ Stretch Your Legs
A short, accessible walk from the car park offers beautiful panoramic views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access Stop
Convenient pull-off on SH6, perfect for a quick break. Signal early when coming from Queenstown!
📸 Photo Opportunity
Capture the vibrant turquoise water and gorge scenery. Great for a quick, stunning photo.
💧 No Facilities On-Site
Plan ahead as there are no restrooms or amenities at the lookout.
🚶♀️ Stretch Your Legs
A short, accessible walk from the car park offers beautiful panoramic views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Roaring Meg Lookout is a highly-rated, quick scenic stop on SH6, praised for its stunning turquoise waterfall and gorge views. Visitors appreciate the easy access and photo opportunities, though the lack of facilities is a minor drawback. It's an ideal brief respite on a road trip.
"Summary 3.5/5: A Quick Scenic Stop
This is a great little stop for a quick, scenic break on State Highway 6, perfect if you have 5-10 minutes to spare. It's a convenient and easy-to-access viewpoint with a good photo opportunity.
The View: 4/5
The main draw here is the view, and it doesn't disappoint. From the observation deck, you can see a small but stunning turquoise waterfall from the nearby power station's water stream. The combination of the vibrant water, the scenic gorge, and the winding highway in the background makes for a fantastic picture. The informational boards are a nice touch, adding some education context to the visit.
Location & Parking: 3/5
The lookout is super easy to get to, especially if you're coming from Cromwell. If you're heading from Queenstown, be sure to signal early as the turn is right after a bend. The parking area is small, with enough space for about 8 cars, but not to worry, no crowd here. Unfortunately, there are no facilities on-site."
Jo Lee
"A short and accessible walk from the car park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, providing panoramic vistas upstream and downstream. It is an ideal stopover for those requiring a brief respite to stretch their legs."
Robert Howard
"This was my first stop in New Zealand and it was a gorgeous one! Easy to park and just take a quick look at the beautiful river and rocks."
Mary Carmen Albarrán
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Roaring Meg Lookout is located on State Highway 6, a scenic route between Queenstown and Cromwell. If driving from Queenstown, be sure to signal early as the turn-off is just after a bend in the road. It's a well-marked, easy-to-access viewpoint. 
Yes, it's a convenient stop if you're traveling between Queenstown and Cromwell, or vice versa. Many travelers stop here as part of their road trip through Otago.
The lookout is directly off State Highway 6, with a dedicated parking area. It's designed for easy access for vehicles of all sizes.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to Roaring Meg Lookout. It's best visited by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour that includes this stop.
Absolutely! It's specifically designed as a quick scenic stop, perfect for breaking up a drive between major towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Roaring Meg Lookout is a free public viewpoint. There are no admission fees to access the lookout area or enjoy the views.
Roaring Meg Lookout is accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor scenic viewpoint along a public highway. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photography.
There is no entrance fee. Roaring Meg Lookout is a free attraction for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Kawarau Gorge.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the inability to appreciate the scenic views. Daylight hours are best.
No, it is not a ticketed attraction. It's a natural viewpoint that anyone can stop and enjoy freely.
📸 📸 Photography
The main observation deck offers the best vantage point for capturing the turquoise waterfall and the gorge. Experiment with different angles to include the river and highway.
Any camera, including your smartphone, will work well here. The natural light and vibrant colors are striking. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the gorge.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the most dramatic lighting, known as the 'golden hour,' which can enhance the colors of the water and gorge.
Try to capture the contrast between the vibrant turquoise water and the rugged, rocky gorge. Include elements of the winding highway for a sense of place.
Drone regulations vary by location in New Zealand. It's advisable to check current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules before flying a drone in this area.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the scenic views of the turquoise waterfall and the Kawarau River gorge. It's a place to pause, take photos, and appreciate the natural landscape.
Most visitors spend about 5-10 minutes here, making it an ideal quick stop. It's enough time to take photos and soak in the view.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or picnic areas at Roaring Meg Lookout. Visitors should plan accordingly.
The walk from the car park to the main viewpoint is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors.
Roaring Meg refers to the turbulent stream that flows from a nearby hydroelectric power station and merges with the Kawarau River, creating the scenic waterfall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no facilities, the ease of access and the sheer visual appeal make it a worthwhile, brief detour. Pack snacks and drinks, and let the kids marvel at the powerful water flow before continuing your journey.
🚗 Road Trippers
+1Don't miss the chance to pull over and admire the unique turquoise waters and the dramatic gorge. It's a fantastic spot for a quick photo session and a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the Otago region before you continue your adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kawarau Gorge and its Hydroelectric Power
+1Historically, the Kawarau River has been harnessed for its power. The Roaring Meg itself is a stream that originates from a hydroelectric power station, its outflow contributing to the visually striking waterfall seen at the lookout. This integration of natural power generation with the stunning scenery is a unique aspect of the location.
Travelers often remark on the sheer force and beauty of the water here. The combination of the gorge's geological formations and the dynamic flow of the river creates a memorable stop for anyone driving through. It's a testament to how human infrastructure can sometimes coexist with, and even highlight, natural wonders.
Road Tripping Through Otago
+1Travelers often highlight the vibrant turquoise rivers and the dramatic landscapes of the Otago region. Roaring Meg Lookout is frequently mentioned as a must-stop point to break up the journey, offering a chance to stretch legs and capture iconic photos. Other notable stops along this corridor include the Jones Family Fruit Stall for local produce and the historic Arrowtown.
+1When planning your drive, remember that while the roads are generally well-maintained, they can be winding. Always be mindful of other road users and take advantage of designated viewpoints like Roaring Meg to safely enjoy the views. The experience is about the journey as much as the destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit